The Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Hon. Ohene Kwame Frimpong, has called for the Parliament of Ghana to designate at least one day each month for lawmakers to freely express themselves in their native languages during parliamentary proceedings.
According to him, this initiative would help preserve indigenous languages for future generations while encouraging young people to learn and embrace their mother tongues. He also believes it would promote Ghana’s diverse cultural heritage and strengthen the identity of various ethnic groups.
Hon. Frimpong made this appeal during a press briefing in Parliament on Friday, February 21, 2025, following his contribution to a statement delivered on the Floor of the House by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie (MP for Ketu South). The statement was in commemoration of International Mother Language Day, which is observed annually on February 21.
“As we all witnessed on the Floor of the House, Members of Parliament have emphasized the need to promote our native languages to ensure that our children and future generations learn them properly so they do not become extinct,” he noted.
Current Parliamentary Language Policy
At present, parliamentary proceedings are primarily conducted in English. However, per Order 56 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, an MP may choose to speak in a local language if arrangements have been made for interpretation. The Standing Order states:
"The proceedings of Parliament shall ordinarily be conducted in English, except that a Member may exercise the option to address the House in a local language if facilities exist in the House for interpretation by the Member or for contemporaneous interpretation.”
Given the existing restrictions, Hon. Frimpong is championing efforts to introduce advanced translation technology to facilitate the seamless use of native languages in Parliament.
Leveraging Technology for Native-Language Translation
The MP revealed that he is working to procure translation technology that will make it easier for MPs to speak their native languages without delays or interpretation challenges. He cited a collaboration with Awuni Peter, a Ghanaian innovator based in the United States, who has developed a Twi translation tool.
“I am engaging with Awuni Peter, who has built a Twi translator. This could be a game-changer for Parliament. If MPs can speak in their local languages—whether Twi, Ga, or Ewe—without the need to manually translate into English, it will save time and make proceedings more efficient,” he explained.
Hon. Frimpong expressed optimism that, with time, Parliament will adopt more advanced language solutions to accommodate Ghana’s linguistic diversity.
Debunking Claims About MPs' Silence
Addressing concerns that some MPs remain silent in Parliament due to difficulties with the English language, Hon. Frimpong dismissed the notion. He clarified that the issue is often about confidence rather than language proficiency.
“The claim that some MPs do not speak in the House because they cannot speak English is false. The real issue is that some individuals lack the courage to speak before a large audience, not that they are incapable of expressing themselves in English,” he stated.
Hon. Frimpong's advocacy has sparked discussions about the role of language in Ghana’s legislative process and the need for reforms to make parliamentary debates more inclusive.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1740251460 [post_date] => February 22, 2025 [post_modified] => February 25, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/asante-akim-agogo-mp-advocates-for-a-native-language-day-in-parliament/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [2046] => Array ( [post_id] => 2046 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 2048 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/violence-and-hooliganism-in-sports-must-end-stugard/ [post_title] => VIOLENCE AND HOOLIGANISM IN SPORTS MUST END – STUGARD [post_title_attribute] => VIOLENCE AND HOOLIGANISM IN SPORTS MUST END – STUGARD [post_excerpt] => The Member of Parliament for Berekum West, Mr. Kwabena Kyere Stugard, has urged Parliament and all stakeholders in Ghana’s sports fraternity to take decisive action to end violence and hooliganism in sports. [post_content] =>
The Member of Parliament for Berekum West, Mr. Kwabena Kyere Stugard, has urged Parliament and all stakeholders in Ghana’s sports fraternity to take decisive action to end violence and hooliganism in sports.
In a statement made in Parliament, the MP recounted his personal experience of the tragic incident at the Accra Sports Stadium on May 9, 2001, which claimed 127 lives. He stressed the need for proactive measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Mr. Stugard also highlighted several incidents of violence against match officials, including the case of renowned female referee, Madam Theresa, who was assaulted while officiating a game.
Following his statement, several Members of Parliament contributed to the discussion, strongly condemning acts of violence in sports, particularly football matches.
MP for Sunyani West, Millicent Amankwah, whose constituency includes the town of Nsuatram, called on stakeholders to conduct thorough risk assessments before games to ensure the safety of match venues.
MP for Akuapim North, Mr. Samuel Awuku, urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to regulate the sale of alcoholic beverages near stadiums, as excessive alcohol consumption often fuels hooliganism. He also called for the sensitization of referees and other officiating officials to uphold fairness and professionalism in their decisions to prevent unnecessary tensions that lead to violence.
MP for Bolgatanga Central, Mr. Isaac Adongo, advocated for a licensing system for football stadiums to ensure that only venues meeting specific security standards are used for official matches. This, he argued, would enhance safety and reduce the risks of violence.
The MPs collectively emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of security measures, public education on sportsmanship, and accountability from stakeholders to maintain discipline and order in Ghanaian sports.
Source: Clement Akoloh/parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1740007491 [post_date] => February 19, 2025 [post_modified] => February 19, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/violence-and-hooliganism-in-sports-must-end-stugard/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [2026] => Array ( [post_id] => 2026 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 2027 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/okre-mp-urges-tourism-minister-to-focus-on-domestic-tourism-and-commercialise-festivals-and-funerals/ [post_title] => Okre MP Urges Tourism Minister to Focus on Domestic Tourism and Commercialise Festivals and Funerals [post_title_attribute] => Okre MP Urges Tourism Minister to Focus on Domestic Tourism and Commercialise Festivals and Funerals [post_excerpt] => The Member of Parliament for the Okre Constituency in the Eastern Region, Hon. Daniel Nana Addo Kenneth, has called on the incoming Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Hon. Ablah Dzifah Gomashie, to prioritise domestic tourism and explore the commercialisation of festivals and funerals to generate revenue for national development. [post_content] =>The Member of Parliament for the Okre Constituency in the Eastern Region, Hon. Daniel Nana Addo Kenneth, has called on the incoming Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Hon. Ablah Dzifah Gomashie, to prioritise domestic tourism and explore the commercialisation of festivals and funerals to generate revenue for national development.
Hon. Kenneth made this appeal during his contribution to a motion on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, January 23, 2025, to adopt the Appointments Committee’s report on ministerial nominations.
He highlighted the untapped potential of Ghanaian funerals, which are rich in cultural displays, and suggested their inclusion on the tourism calendar to attract foreign visitors.
“There should be a special agency to document and promote our funerals, especially those of chiefs and important public figures. The culture of laying in state and the accompanying ceremonies are unique and could generate significant revenue if marketed well,” he stated.
The MP also emphasized the need to move beyond mere attendance at festival durbars and fully utilize the week-long traditional festivities to showcase Ghana’s cultural heritage. Citing the Tuesday of Odwira in Okre, he described the vibrant traditional displays involving fetish priests and priestesses, which could be a major attraction for tourists.
“The uniqueness of our traditions, like the Tuesday of Odwira in my district, with its procession of possessed fetish priests and priestesses, is an incredible cultural exhibition. Commercializing these events will not only promote our culture but also boost tourism revenue,” he added.
Hon. Kenneth urged the Minister to explore these opportunities to tap into Ghana’s cultural wealth, stressing that tourism, if effectively harnessed, could address many of the country’s economic challenges.
This call serves as a reminder of the vast potential within Ghana’s tourism sector, particularly through the lens of cultural and traditional experiences, which remain largely underexploited.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1737664089 [post_date] => January 23, 2025 [post_modified] => January 23, 2025 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/okre-mp-urges-tourism-minister-to-focus-on-domestic-tourism-and-commercialise-festivals-and-funerals/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [1981] => Array ( [post_id] => 1981 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 1982 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/talks-with-npp-mps-planning-to-go-independent-remain-inconclusive-deputy-majority-whip/ [post_title] => Talks with NPP MPs Planning to Go Independent Remain Inconclusive – Deputy Majority Whip [post_title_attribute] => Talks with NPP MPs Planning to Go Independent Remain Inconclusive – Deputy Majority Whip [post_excerpt] => Efforts by the Leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to persuade two of its Members of Parliament (MPs) who intend to contest the upcoming general elections as independent candidates have so far yielded no conclusive results, according to the Second Deputy Majority Whip, Hon. Alex Tetteh Djornobuah. [post_content] =>Accra, Ghana – Efforts by the Leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to persuade two of its Members of Parliament (MPs) who intend to contest the upcoming general elections as independent candidates have so far yielded no conclusive results, according to the Second Deputy Majority Whip, Hon. Alex Tetteh Djornobuah.
Contrary to circulating reports suggesting that the MPs have reversed their decision, Djornobua, who is also the MP for Sehwi Akotombrah, revealed that neither of the MPs, Hon. Cynthia Morrison, representing Agona West and Kwadjo Asante, representing Suhum has officially communicated a change of heart to the Majority Caucus.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Hon. Djornobua confirmed that discussions had taken place, led by the Majority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin. However, these talks have not yet resulted in any final decision.
“Yesterday, our able Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin, had a discussion with them. It is inconclusive. But I believe that they are still members of the Elephant family. At the end of the day, the appeal from the Leaders, the appeal from the elders, and the appeal from the big men and women of our party who are actually appealing to Cynthia and Kwodjo Asante – I think we should give them some time,” Djornobua said.
The Deputy Majority Whip made these comments while addressing media concerns about the recent recall of Parliament, which came just a day after the Speaker adjourned the House unexpectedly.
The MPs in question, Cynthia Morrison and Kwodjo Asante, have caused concern within the NPP as their decision to run independently could affect the party’s chances to maintain its slim majority in Parliament as well as it's performance in the upcoming elections.
The current impasse between the two major political parties in Parliament concerning the composition of the House following the declaration of four seats vacant by the Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Bagbin is yet to be resolved with the Supreme Court's interpretation of Article 97(1)(g) and (h) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
Party leadership is reportedly continuing efforts to bring the MPs back in line with the party's agenda ahead of the Court verdict and ahead of the 2024 elections.
Source: Clement Akoloh/parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1729730728 [post_date] => October 24, 2024 [post_modified] => October 24, 2024 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/talks-with-npp-mps-planning-to-go-independent-remain-inconclusive-deputy-majority-whip/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [1971] => Array ( [post_id] => 1971 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 1974 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/national-service-scheme-transitions-to-national-service-authority-under-new-act/ [post_title] => National Service Scheme Transitions to National Service Authority Under New Act [post_title_attribute] => National Service Scheme Transitions to National Service Authority Under New Act [post_excerpt] => The National Service Scheme (NSS) has officially transitioned into the National Service Authority following the passage of the National Service Authority Act (Act 1119) by Parliament. [post_content] =>Accra, October 18, 2024 — The National Service Scheme (NSS) has officially transitioned into the National Service Authority following the passage of the National Service Authority Act (Act 1119) by Parliament.
The launch of the newly established National Service Authority was held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presiding over the event.
Delivering the keynote address, President Akufo-Addo praised the immense contribution of the NSS to national development, revealing that the scheme saves the country over 3 billion Cedis annually.
He reiterated that the National Service Authority will continue to be a key institution in preparing the youth for nation-building. He added that it would play an even more vital role in nurturing young talents under the next administration, expected to be led by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Mr. Daniel Macholy, Chairman of the occasion, called for national service to be made mandatory, emphasizing the critical role it plays in instilling discipline and patriotism in the youth. He further encouraged a partnership between the National Service Authority, his foundation, and his salt industry to support the authority’s activities.
In his welcome address, Osei Assibey Antwi, the first Director-General of the National Service Authority, applauded the President’s commitment to youth development. He noted that the transformation of the NSS into an authority is a testament to the government’s dedication to strengthening institutions.
Mr. Assibey Antwi urged for further government support, particularly in the procurement of equipment and securing farmland for agricultural initiatives under the authority’s name to support the Free Senior High School (FSHS) program. He also appealed to the Finance Minister to consider financial backing for these initiatives, as well as the expansion of the NSS’s accounting aid and collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).
NSS Board Chairman, Nee Odoi Tetteyfio, highlighted the significance of the institution’s transition, stating that it would enhance the capacity and jurisdiction of the service to function more effectively. He also disclosed that plans are underway to improve the remuneration of NSS staff in line with the authority’s new status, which he said will create further opportunities for growth and sustainability.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister for Education, Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, recounted the tremendous strides made in the education sector under President Akufo-Addo’s tenure, attributing part of this success to the critical role played by the NSS in national development.
The launch of the National Service Authority marks a new chapter in the institution’s history, as it continues to provide valuable service to the country’s development while supporting the growth of the nation’s youth.
Source: Clement Akoloh/parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1729265526 [post_date] => October 18, 2024 [post_modified] => October 18, 2024 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/national-service-scheme-transitions-to-national-service-authority-under-new-act/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [1962] => Array ( [post_id] => 1962 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 1668 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/speaker-bagbin-defers-ruling-on-declaration-of-four-parliamentary-seats-vacant/ [post_title] => Speaker Bagbin Defers Ruling on Declaration of Four Parliamentary Seats Vacant [post_title_attribute] => Speaker Bagbin Defers Ruling on Declaration of Four Parliamentary Seats Vacant [post_excerpt] => The Speaker of Ghana's Eighth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has postponed his ruling on calls to declare four parliamentary seats vacant in accordance with Article 97 (1) (g & h) of the 1992 [post_content] =>The Speaker of Ghana's Eighth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has postponed his ruling on calls to declare four parliamentary seats vacant in accordance with Article 97 (1) (g & h) of the 1992 Constitution.
The constitutional provision mandates that a Member of Parliament (MP) vacate their seat if they decide to abandon the political party or platform on which they were elected. This issue was raised on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, by the Minority Leader, Dr. Ato Baah Forson, in a statement of public importance made on behalf of his caucus.
Dr. Forson, invoking Order 93 of Parliament's Standing Orders, drew the House’s attention to the status of the four seats and urged the Speaker to declare them vacant in accordance with Order 18. The Minority’s position argued that the Speaker was duty-bound to enforce the constitutional provision regarding the vacating of seats.
The debate sparked sharp divisions in the House, with the Majority New Patriotic Party (NPP) countering the call and the Minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) strongly supporting it.
Majority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin informed the House that he had filed an injunction at the Supreme Court, seeking the Court’s interpretation of the relevant constitutional clause. He urged the Speaker to hold off on making any declarations until the matter was resolved by the Court, warning against a premature ruling that could echo past mistakes.
The Majority cautioned Speaker Bagbin to avoid the precedent set by his predecessor, Professor Mike Ocquaye, who declared the Fomena seat vacant during his tenure, a ruling that favored the then-governing party. The NPP expressed concerns that such a declaration now would repeat that controversial decision.
Meanwhile, the Minority group, pushing for the Speaker to act decisively, referenced Ocquaye’s ruling as a precedent and urged Bagbin to uphold the constitution and follow the steps of his predecessor.
After listening to arguments from both sides of the House, Speaker Bagbin acknowledged the complexity of the issue and the need for a well-considered ruling. He emphasized that his decision would be informed by his vast experience as both an MP and Speaker, having served in all parliaments since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1993.
The Speaker announced that he would deliver his ruling before the end of the first week of parliamentary sittings, by Friday, October 18, 2024, at the latest.
The outcome of this ruling is eagerly anticipated, as it has the potential to shape the composition of Parliament and influence the balance of power in the House.
Source: Clement Akoloh/parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1729113306 [post_date] => October 16, 2024 [post_modified] => October 16, 2024 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/speaker-bagbin-defers-ruling-on-declaration-of-four-parliamentary-seats-vacant/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [1967] => Array ( [post_id] => 1967 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 1968 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/speaker-bagbin-urges-parliament-to-prioritize-legislative-action-in-critical-session/ [post_title] => Speaker Bagbin Urges Parliament to Prioritize Legislative Action in Critical Session [post_title_attribute] => Speaker Bagbin Urges Parliament to Prioritize Legislative Action in Critical Session [post_excerpt] => The Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, has emphasized the importance of the ongoing Fifth Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament, describing it as pivotal for strengthening Ghana’s governance and democratic institutions. [post_content] =>The Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, has emphasized the importance of the ongoing Fifth Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament, describing it as pivotal for strengthening Ghana’s governance and democratic institutions.
Addressing Members of Parliament (MPs), Speaker Bagbin noted that the workload ahead is immense, requiring dedication, focus, and efficiency. He stressed the urgency of processing key bills, particularly the International Business and Economic Transaction Bill and the Budget Bill, which he said must be handled with utmost priority. Additionally, several constitutional instruments are set to be laid and must come into effect before the House rises sine die.
The Speaker urged parliamentary committees to expedite their work and ensure that sensitive bills are scheduled early for deliberation, reminding the House that "the time for action is now." He also called on MPs to strike a balance between their electoral campaign demands and their legislative duties during this period.
In his address, Minority Leader Dr. Ato Forson expressed grave concerns about the country’s current state, claiming that Ghana is on the brink of an "environmental genocide." He attributed the crisis to leadership failure and fiscal indiscipline, which he argued has brought severe hardship to the population. Dr. Forson also criticized the government’s economic management, alleging that the Akufo-Addo administration is repeating past mistakes, particularly in mismanaging the economy, without learning from the COVID-19 experience.
In response, Majority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin commended parliamentary committees for their continued work during the recess, ensuring that critical tasks were addressed. He also urged MPs to be mindful of their campaign rhetoric, encouraging fact-based and issue-driven debates during the electioneering season.
Afenyo Markin rejected claims by the Minority Leader that the government is engaging in fiscal irresponsibility by distributing large sums of money to farmers ahead of the election. He explained that the assistance being provided to farmers in the northern regions was a necessary response to the drought they had suffered and not an election-related handout.
The debate in Parliament highlights the critical nature of the current session, with MPs balancing governance issues alongside the pressures of the upcoming elections.
Source: Clement Akoloh/parliamentnews360.com
[post_date_unix] => 1729035660 [post_date] => October 15, 2024 [post_modified] => October 17, 2024 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/speaker-bagbin-urges-parliament-to-prioritize-legislative-action-in-critical-session/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) [1939] => Array ( [post_id] => 1939 [post_type] => post [has_post_thumbnail] => 1 [post_thumbnail_id] => 1308 [post_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/ghanas-parliamentary-drama-is-heating-up/ [post_title] => Ghana’s Parliamentary drama is heating up [post_title_attribute] => Ghana’s Parliamentary drama is heating up [post_excerpt] => [post_content] =>The Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin, has filed an application at the Supreme Court to stop the Speaker from declaring four seats vacant. This move is in response to Former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu's plans to petition the Speaker to declare those seats vacant since the MPs in question are contesting the upcoming December elections as independent candidates.
According to Haruna Iddrisu, Article 97 (1g) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana states that MPs who change their original platform must lose their seat. However, Afenyo Markin is having none of it, and his lawyers have filed an injunction to block this action.
It's worth noting that the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has previously cautioned the leadership of the majority and minority groups against delaying parliamentary work . This development adds another layer of complexity to the already tense relationship between the two groups.
Currently, with the NPP having 138 MPs and NDC having 137 MPs, the balance of power in the House tilts towards the governing NPP with a slim majority. However, if the petition to declare these four seats vacant succeeds, the balance of power is likely to tilt towards the NDC who would become the Majority.
This development is bound to raise the tension in the House in this final meeting and run the risk of going the route which characterized the beginning of this particular Eighth Parliament.
Key Points:
- The Dispute: Four MPs are contesting the December elections as independent candidates, prompting Haruna Iddrisu to petition for their seats to be declared vacant.
- The Majority Leader's Response: Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin has filed an injunction at the Supreme Court to block this action.
- Constitutional Basis: Article 97 (1) (g) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana is being cited as the reason for declaring the seats vacant.
- Implications: This development could further strain the relationship between the majority and minority groups in Parliament.
- Source: Clement Akoloh/parliamentnews360.com
The Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin, has announced that he has filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to prevent any moves in Parliament to declare four parliamentary seats vacant.
This action follows remarks made by former Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, who indicated his intention to petition the Speaker to declare the seats vacant. Iddrisu's argument is based on the decision of these MPs to contest the upcoming December elections as independent candidates.
Citing Article 97 of the 1992 Constitution, Iddrisu contends that MPs who abandon the political party on whose platform they were elected to Parliament are required to forfeit their seats. According to the constitutional provision, such MPs are no longer eligible to serve in Parliament once they choose to switch their political affiliation.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, ahead of the Fifth Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament, Afenyo Markin confirmed that he had instructed his lawyers to file the injunction. The goal, he said, is to block any attempt by Haruna Iddrisu to push for a declaration of the seats as vacant and to prevent the Speaker from acting on such a petition.
The legal application filed by the Majority Leader adds a new layer of complexity to the debate over whether MPs who choose to contest elections as independents should lose their seats before the end of their current term in Parliament.
Source: Clement Akoloh
[post_date_unix] => 1729021380 [post_date] => October 15, 2024 [post_modified] => October 16, 2024 [post_author_url] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/author/parliamentnews360/ [post_author_name] => Clement Akoloh [post_author_email] => senaakoloh@gmail.com [post_comments_no] => 0 [post_comments_link] => https://parliamentnews360.com/index.php/majority-leader-files-application-to-block-speaker-from-declaring-seats-vacant/#respond [post_theme_settings] => Array ( ) ) ) [loop_pagination] => Array ( [pagenavi_options] => Array ( [pages_text] => Page %CURRENT_PAGE% of %TOTAL_PAGES% [current_text] => %PAGE_NUMBER% [page_text] => %PAGE_NUMBER% [first_text] => 1 [last_text] => %TOTAL_PAGES% [next_text] => [prev_text] => [dotright_text] => ... [dotleft_text] => ... [num_pages] => 3 [always_show] => 1 ) [paged] => 2 [max_page] => 9 [start_page] => 1 [end_page] => 3 [pages_to_show] => 3 [previous_posts_link] => [next_posts_link] => ) [category_id] => 1 )
